The Bible Reading of Young Evangelicals: An Exploration of the Ordinary Hermeneutics and Faith of Generation Y

Young evangelicals in Britain often find themselves at odds with an increasingly secular society and yet the tradition persists and in some places flourishes. Sociological studies into the faith of this demographic group are rare yet there is much to be explored as to how their faith functions and how it compares to other groups globally. Similarly given the privilege evangelicals afford the biblical text how young believers engage with the ancient Scriptures they understand to be the word of God is particularly significant. This work addresses that core question. How do young evangelicals make sense of the Bible today? Based on qualitative data gathered from three diverse evangelical churches it compares the reading priorities ordinary hermeneutics and theological concerns of young adults. Presenting age-related focus groups with challenging biblical narratives the study compares strategies for negotiating the texts based on age gender and churchmanship. It provides a unique insight into the realities of Bible reading and the faith of Generation Y and gives food for thought not only to those with scholarly interests but also those with a pastoral concern to shape and sustain the Christian faith of young adults in Britain and beyond. It is common knowledge that evangelical Christians take the Bible seriously. A question often overlooked is: how is it read? How do evangelicals find meaning in Biblical passages and how do they negotiate emerging tensions between the text and their cultural identities? This is a study that examines evangelical Biblicism not just as a theological priority but also as a social experience. Ruth Perrin has produced an innovative study based on careful empirical research among young adult members of evangelical churches in the UK. This is a fascinating volume full of fresh insights into how young Christians deal with the scriptures they place at the center of their faith. --Mathew Guest Reader in the Sociology of Religion Durham University Many people have many theories about how and why young people do or do not read the Bible but these theories are all too often based on anecdote. Here at last is a serious piece of research that reflects deeply on the subject and is based on in-depth research with young people. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to encourage young people in their reading of the Bible. --Paula R. Gooder Theologian in Residence Bible Society Ruth Perrin has charted new waters with this challenging and detailed study of the Bible reading habits of young Christians. She sets out to show how a generation of young people are interpreting the scriptures and making sense of the faith for themselves. For the academic this book is part of a growing literature on the ethnography of biblical reception. It is also an essential read for anyone working with young adults and in student ministries. --Pete Ward Professor St. Johns College Department of Theology and Religion Durham University This is a really important book addressing the fundamental question of how younger evangelicals read the Bible and engage with deeper questions of faith. It is thorough and convincing allowing participants voices to be heard alongside Perrins intelligent analysis of their engagement. It is a compelling read and given that this is a largely missing demographic from our churches I commend it to all church leaders especially those who seek to engage with this generation. --Mark Tanner Bishop of Berwick Durham University